The high-profile sexual abuse case against veteran radio broadcaster Alan Jones is scheduled to commence in August 2025, with proceedings potentially extending until December in what promises to be an extensive legal battle.
Case Details and Witness List
Alan Jones, 84, faces a total of 27 charges, comprising 25 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual touching, relating to nine separate alleged victims. Crown prosecutor Emma Curran informed Downing Centre Local Court that the prosecution intends to call 139 witnesses to testify against the former radio host.
Magistrate Glenn Walsh has set the hearing dates despite objections from Jones' legal team. Defence solicitor Bryan Wrench argued that efforts to reduce the witness list had been hampered by procedural issues, including uncertainty about which senior counsel Jones had briefed for his defence.
Defence Arguments and Procedural Disputes
Jones' legal team has raised significant concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Wrench told the court they believe there exists 'an iceberg of exculpatory material' that would support Jones' defence, and indicated they plan to call their own witnesses.
The defence has formally requested prosecutors reconsider a September decision to hold the lengthy hearing in the local court rather than before a district court jury. This decision effectively deprives Jones of a jury trial, a point his legal team emphasised while stressing their commitment to ensuring a fair hearing.
Further complications arose regarding evidence disclosure. Wrench revealed that Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont, whose 2023 investigation led to Jones being charged, has declined to provide her investigation notes or witness interview records to the defence team. Additionally, police have refused to confirm whether their investigation against the broadcaster is complete.
Case History and Allegations
The case has undergone significant changes since its inception. Initially, Jones faced allegations from eleven individuals, with the youngest alleged victim being 17 at the time of the purported offences. However, prosecutors reconfigured the case in September, dropping claims involving two alleged victims and withdrawing accusations that the conduct was aggravated or that Jones held power over his accusers.
The alleged misconduct is said to have occurred in various locations, including private settings and public spaces such as restaurants, the Sydney Opera House, and while two complainants were driving Jones. The broadcaster was arrested in November 2024 following an eight-month police investigation.
Jones, who maintains his innocence and describes the charges as 'all either baseless or they distort the truth', enjoyed an influential broadcasting career spanning decades since 1985. Known for his feared interviewing style and outspoken views, he worked with Sydney stations 2UE and 2GB, where he remained a ratings leader until 2020.
Beyond broadcasting, Jones had a notable stint as coach of the Australian national men's rugby union team between 1984 and 1988, during which the team achieved historic successes. The case will return to court on 20 November for further management before the main hearing begins on 3 August 2025.
